Jabber Log with a side of writers. It’s what’s for dinner.

On October 8th, 2011 I wrote on the Jabber Log Fan page that I was thinking about recruiting some writers. I mentioned that I have a lot of stories to tell but that I felt I needed to expand. Well folks, it’s time to add some extra writers. I feel I have been doing a great job but I want to venture into something more. So far I have gathered an excellent group of writers to fill the need for posts on movies, music, books, video games, and technology. I’m still looking for a few more writers so if you are interested please shoot me an email at rm2visions@gmail.com. Also if you have any suggestions on topics to focus on please don’t hesitate to let me know. I have a lot of ideas swirling around in my head and I want to use Jabber Log as a platform to accomplish different goals.

One big thing I would like to do is help promote local events by doing a piece on them right before the event in order to generate a buzz. I believe all those involved can benefit from a little exposure and who knows what can happen from all of this. I will continue to post the way I normally do but now there will be added posts with new and fresh material. Every Wednesday there will be a new post on music from The Phoenix Philosopher, Thursday’s will focus on video games and technology, and Friday’s will feature movies. The first Tuesday of every month will feature an up and coming musician for “New Artist Tuesday”. I previously posted that it’s time to Occupy the Airwaves in order to get new music played on the radio minus the corporate backing. Who knows if it can work but it never hurts to try. In the end with new topics and added writers I feel that this will bring in more readers and continue the popularity that has followed this blog. I have posted many times that there is more to come and this statement is solid. I am very excited for the new things coming from everyone associated with Jabber Log and I thank you for everything. Happy reading my fellow Jabber Loggers. Cheers!

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I am Rob McMullen, ENP, your current North-Central Regional Director. Serving on the NENA Executive Board for the past two years has been an honor. I am pleased with the accomplishments of the association during my tenure on the board. Increasing membership and ENPs, creation of the TC Caucus and telecommunicator membership category, and attempting to standardize telecommunicator training are a few things that I think have really strengthened our great association. But there is more work to be done. I want to be a part of the future growth and enhancement. My experience has prepared me for the new challenge of running for NENA 2nd Vice President.

NENA is more than just an association to me, it is a resource and lifeline for PSAPs and telecommunicators. I recognized after attending my first Indiana state NENA conference in 2003 that NENA provided an opportunity to network and enhance training in the 9-1-1 industry. I knew I wanted to be a part of this association and their mission. I got involved in state conference planning and then ran for state office, becoming president of the Indiana Chapter in 2008. I couldn’t stop there. I attended my first national level conference and I was hooked! TDC/ODC was not what I had expected. It was a working conference and they wanted MY help. I was blown away by the opportunities to develop policy and procedures for the industry. I started in the public education and training committee; worked on joint NENA/APCO focus groups sharing 9-1-1 operational information with many private companies rolling out new products and services; chaired the devices and sensors working group and co-chaired the Contingency Planning sub-committee. I also participated in the last revision of the ENP Reference Manual. My work on national committees taught me that it is vital that the PSAP has a voice on the board. That motivated me to run for North-Central Regional Director and is motivating me to take the next step in running for NENA 2nd Vice President. I am the voice of the PSAP and I take that responsibility seriously.

NENA hasn’t only helped in my job, but also in my career. I started as a dispatcher in 1998, became a dispatch supervisor in 2003 and a center director in 2011. I believe that my NENA training and experience, ENP and CMCP played a big factor in landing the job as the 9-1-1 Director of Vigo County 9-1-1. Going from Dispatcher to Director gives me the perspective needed to act as an advocate for the PSAPs and the telecommunicators in our association, as well as for management and operations. My 17 years’ experience in the 9-1-1 industry demonstrates constant personal growth and development. I have worked in small and average sized centers and have a unique understanding of the concerns and issues facing the majority of PSAPs in North America and beyond.

I have been a featured speaker at local, state and national public safety conferences. I have had the opportunity to travel to different chapter conferences in my region and have learned that 9-1-1 works differently in different areas, but that there are many commonalities. This is a great industry full of wonderful people.

My involvement in NENA has required personal commitment and dedication, and the rewards have been great. I have developed lifelong friendships, acquired a vast knowledge of 9-1-1, enhanced my career and even honed my “people skills”. I have been a part of something great and want to continue to serve in this new capacity for NENA.

I look forward to earning your trust and hope that I can count on your vote. A vote for me for NENA 2nd VP is a vote for every PSAP in North America!

Hot on the heels of my last post based on grade school dances comes Prom. You remember Prom right? Well, so do I and had I combined everything in my last post it would have been huge. Instead I decided to break it up into two different posts to make it less drawn out. So depending on your school era, what do you remember about your prom? Was it the fancy clothes, the dancing, the food, the limo, the big hair? I know what you’re thinking, big hair? Yes, certain era’s had big hair and actually every era had big hair at one time or another. My era included big bangs with tons of Aqua Net hairspray but when I went to prom this had long since passed. Prom for me was fun but it wasn’t like what you see in movies. I mean, the general idea was the same but in no way did it include all the drama that comes with movies or TV shows.

I was a Junior when I went to my first prom. Going into that year I had begun dating a beautiful redhead named Melissa. I met her the summer before at the Super Valu (yes, without the “E”) in Douglas. We worked together and I pursued her. After several dates and hanging out we made our relationship official and became boyfriend and girlfriend. We were always together and although it got me into hot water with my dad, I was determined to spend as much time with her as i could and when it came to what my dad thought I could care less. When prom came around it was a big deal. If I remember correctly, we went to a dress shop in Kalamazoo and the dress she bought was red. My tux included a vest and such that matched the color of Melissa’s dress. Although I was told by some that my tux looked like a waiters uniform, I thought it was killer. When the night came we were dressed to impress. The prom was held at a golf course in Holland and it was pretty nice. The place was packed and full of the usual prom activities. We danced, took pictures and had an all around good time.

My senior prom was even better. Melissa and I were once again dressed to kill and we were styling in my ’83 Chevy Camaro. She of course looked great both times but I on the other hand probably looked like a dork. At the time I got a lot of compliments and I thought I looked cool but looking back at it now, I may have looked odd. Judging from the picture I provided in this post I probably looked like Duckie. My dancing is way better, in my mind, but I’m definitely zany and weird like him. No matter how I looked or danced, we had an excellent experience. Those were good times back then. It’s good for all of us to keep memories like this in mind. As we get older we forget how carefree we once were. We become so consumed with life that we fail to stop for a moment and enjoy what we experience. Back in school there were no worries. Things were rather easy and we were able to take the time to enjoy what we had. Those times are long gone but not forgotten. The memories live on and that’s why I post topics like this. It’s a good way to generate conversation between everyone and share stories. So here’s your chance folks. What made prom memorable? What did you enjoy most and if you care to, you can even say who you went with. Happy reading and reflecting. Cheers!

Two nights ago I had the pleasure of spending some time at the residence of Dave Rich. He and his wife hosted an excellent UFC party. I had arrived late but was able to witness the last two matches that made up UFC 129 St-Pierre vs. Shields. My buddy Adam and I were greeted with open arms once it was confirmed that this was indeed the home of Dave Rich. We had walked in hearing, “who’s that?” but were promptly given a frosty one after our greeting. The last couple rounds of the Aldo vs. Hominick match were brutal. I had arrived just in time to see Hominick take a shot that would leave the right side of forehead swollen. It grew to the size of a baseball as the fight went on and it looked like he may pull out a win but in the end Aldo received the decision.

It was time for GSP vs. Shields and the room filled up the man-cave of Dave Rich. From the beginning of the match to the end when the decision was made, the chants for GSP were made. A few Shields fans were there as well but their comments of, “GSP is scared” were immediately silenced by the majority. The fights were excellent and I met a lot of people who were from an MMA background. I got to see how they put in work after the matches down in the man-cave and after witnessing it first hand, I might just give it a try…might being the key word here. Thank you very much to the host for a great time and good company.

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